(ANS - Ashaiman) - Sierra Leone and Liberia, two countries belonging to the Blessed Artemide Zatti Province of English-speaking West Africa (AFW), recently overcame their fear and helplessness, and finally defeated the Ebola plague. The visit of encouragement and solidarity of the Tenth Successor of Don Bosco, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime to those countries, and later to Ghana, marked this almost epoch-making event.

By Victor Chambers, SDB

The visit of the Rector Major to the Pademba Road prison, the main prison in Freetown, capital of Sierra Leone; his lunch with disadvantaged young people; his interaction with the Ebola orphans and the girls of the Laura Vicuña Centre who were victims of violence – these were events that brought a smile to the faces of these people who had suffered so much. The misery and sorrow caused by the epidemic of Ebola seemed to melt away with a huge smile of encouragement.

At the Don Bosco Child Protection Centre in Tema, the Rector Major was impressed by the traditional Ghanaian festive dance performed in his honour at the welcome ceremony. His meeting with the members of the Salesian Youth Movement was a moment of such intensity that it will certainly remain imprinted in the minds of the young people.

The desire to meet the Rector Major prompted many people to gather in the early hours of Sunday morning 7 February at the Salesian parish at Golf City. In the celebration that took place there, embellished by children's dances and traditional songs, Fr Á.F. Artime was able to convey the love of Don Bosco for the young, especially the poor and needy.

Finally, on Sunday afternoon, many members of the Salesian Family attended the installation ceremony of the new Provincial, Fr Michael Karikunnel. The evening ended with a family celebration, which was attended by representatives of the local Salesian Family.

Published 09/02/2016